Elemental Grace

Dog Days

November 23, 2009

Gosh, it’s been a busy few days. I’ve had friends and dogs over, and been enjoying the house and the wild and windy weather outside.

There are few things in life more invigorating and refreshing than wandering outside in the wild winter weather, with dogs that get excited at every small thing you see. I consider it one of nature’s greatest natural highs. And the cup of tea that inevitably follows a good walk: I would swear that there is nothing on earth that tastes sweeter.

The weather had a threatening air about it for much of Saturday afternoon, so we headed out to The Piano bar for a late lunch, where we cheerfully greeted by a very attractive and very pleasant waiter, before gulttonously indulging ourselves in the most gorgeous food. I had a prawn and smoked salmon medley to start, followed by the best steak baguette I have ever had the pleasure to ingest. My friend, the lovely Kasia, enjoyed a tagliatelle carbonara and looked very pleased over it. It was all helped along by a half of local cider and a couple of servings of dishy waiter

We headed down to West Bay, near Bridport on Sunday morning for a wander along the beach and along the coastal path. The winds were very high and gusty, and as a result so were the waves, which was wonderfully atmospheric. Although stunning to watch, it was as amusing to watch the dogs (and occasional person) caught out by the crashing waves and getting an unseasonal soaking!

Frothy waves and spray crashing onto the rocks.

Waves crashing on the shore. Exhilarating windy weather.

Dramatic waves crashing against the rocks

The dogs really seemed to enjoy the weekend (apart from the odd scuffle) and really seemed to enjoy the beach!

Sasha, enjoying a run on the beach. Pure happiness!

Flossie having a roll and a dig in the sand

Pluto and Flossie having some doggy lovin' time

Fun and games with a new spaniel friend

Hunting exciting new smells on the Beach

A doggy convention

Post-beach, we decided to take a drive through some stunning Dorset countryside towards Moonfleet Manor, the Inn referred to by John Meade Faulkner in Moonfleet, home of Dorset Smugglers, where we stopped off for some atmosphere, gorgeously warm fires, and a drink before braving the elements once more and heading off towards Weymouth beach for another romp on the beach and some seaside fish and chips.

Moonfleet manor (Image borrowed from www.sheridans-guides.com)

I can’t wait to do it all over again! :0)

Filed under: Rolling with the Punches

Tags: My Dogs Would Give The Hound Of The Baskervilles a Run For His Money